Appendix: Dance Level Classification

These are the classifications I have used when trying to give
a subjective assessment of the difficulty of a particular dance.

Level

Name

Comments

Dancers

0

No brain needed

The easiest. Absolute beginners should have no problems. Very
few very simple moves, no particular steps, easy formations and
progressions.

Absolutely anyone

1

Simple

Very easy. No one should have difficulties. Easier beginners
type dances. Simple formations and progressions only very simple
moves.

Anyone

2

Pretty easy

About the average level for a beginners dance, some of the more
interesting moves such as ladies chain, dip and dive etc. Still
pretty simple formations and progressions (longways duple being
about the most advanced).

Most beginners

3

Moderate

You could probably get away with a few of these at a beginners
dance, particularly if they were fairly good. Some of the more
complex moves such as reels, cloverleafs, etc with more advanced
formations and progressions.

Good beginners

4

Simple club level

The sort of dances that most experienced dancers would find very
easy, but which would probably be a bit too much for most beginners.
Most moves, formations and progressions, but not particularly
fast complex sequences.

Any club dancer

5

Some skill required

This is where it starts getting interesting. The sort of thing
where people not only need to know the moves formations etc,
but have to be confident with them, since the sequences may come
thick and fast and involve unusual positions.

Good dancers

6

Concentration needed

Not only do you have to be thoroughly familiar with all the moves,
formation etc, you have to think about it, probably due to rapid
sequences of unusual moves, long sequences and performing the
moves from unusual positions. I am thinking of some of the more
advanced double (or more) progression contras and some of the
more unusual Play ford dances.

Experienced dancers

7

Difficult

Even if you know what you are doing this is going to stretch
you, probably due to unusual formations and moves and even longer
and faster sequences. You will need a good caller as well.

Experienced dancers who are awake

8

Very hard

Only for very experienced dancers, thoroughly familiar
with the style and with a very good caller. Usually lots of things
happening at the same time in unusual formations with unusual
moves.

The best dancers and callers

9

Displays only

Extremely difficult. Probably only suitable for display which
can be thoroughly rehearsed beforehand. Normally due to the fact
that a lot happens at the same time.